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Nelson Mandela: A century of stirring up trouble
Today marks the centenary of the birth of Madiba. EMILE SCHEPERS writes on his life story

NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA was born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa, into a branch of the royal family of the Tembu people.

The name Rolihlahla means “stirring up trouble;” the name Nelson was given to him by a mission school teacher.

In South Africa, Mandela was universally known by his clan name, Madiba.

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